Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Will Ford runs in a touchdown while playing against the Toronto Argonauts during the first half of their CFL football game in Regina, Saskatchewan July 26. (DAVID STOBBE/REUTERS)

Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Will Ford runs in a touchdown while playing against the Toronto Argonauts during the first half of their CFL football game in Regina, Saskatchewan July 26.(DAVID STOBBE/REUTERS)

Will Ford wasn’t sure if he’d be the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ starting running back when he signed with the CFL club earlier in the week.

But after a three-touchdown performance Saturday night to lead the Riders over the visiting Toronto Argonauts 37-9 at Mosaic Stadium, Ford may end up with the starter’s role after all.

Ford, an East Division All-Star with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2013, says he came to Regina ready for any chance he’d get.

“Opportunities are limited, so you’ve got to take advantage of them no matter what,” he said. “I came here to work and put the team in a position to win.”

The newly signed running back scored first-half touchdowns of 20, three and two yards in his debut for Saskatchewan (2-2), while running for a total of 113 yards. He also had 24 receiving yards.

Ford’s three touchdowns on the ground were one shy of the single-game franchise record held by Ferd Burket, Milson Jones and George Reed.

The injury-depleted Argonauts (1-4) meanwhile, dropped their third straight game. Toronto’s lone victory came against the Riders at Rogers Centre in Week 2.

As good as Ford was in his debut, Saskatchewan quarterback Darian Durant held off on referring to him as the team’s “answer at running back.”

“Man, you can never crown anyone off of one game — it’s a long way to go,” said Durant, who connected on nine of 17 pass attempts for 155 yards and an interception. “I think Will still has some improving to do ... He did a great job of running the ball in key situations.

“But we all have to pick our game up.”

Ford echoed his quarterback’s words.

“It’s going to take time,” he said. “I’ve got a few mistakes that I’ve got to work on. I stay down on myself when I make mistakes. I’m going to watch film, correct those mistakes and see what happens.”

Durant also surpassed the 2,500 career rushing yards mark, picking up 28 yards on the ground and running in a touchdown during the game.

While Durant and Ford took care of the offence, Saskatchewan’s defence also played its part, stifling Ray and the Argos throughout the game.

Toronto running back Curtis Steele was held to just 32 yards on the ground on seven carries. Maurice Mann led Argos receivers with 62 yards.

Tyron Brackenridge intercepted Ray on his first pass attempt of the night, and Tearrius George forced and recovered a Ray fumble when the Argonauts returned to the field — the second of five turnovers forced by Saskatchewan.

The Riders also forced Toronto to punt on four second-quarter possessions. Mark Legree notched a late second-half interception, shortly before the half ended with the Riders up 28-6.

Roughriders kicker Chris Milo nailed a 39-yard field goal in the third quarter, and booted field goals from 38 and 43 yards in the fourth.

Toronto kicker Swayze Waters replied with field goals of 17, 16 and 40 yards for the only Argo points of the game.

Durant opened the scoring, taking advantage of the Brackenridge interception with a 10-yard touchdown run on the Riders’ first possession.

The Riders visit the Ottawa Redblacks Saturday while the Argos host the Montreal Alouettes on Friday.